Khayam Ali pleads guilty to assaulting Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou

Shocking details of what prompted a man to assault a western Sydney mayor at a polling booth on council election day have emerged in court. Watch the assault.

An enraged man assaulted Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou on election day at Merrylands after the politician told a distressed child he would be snatched away, a court has heard.

Bonnyrigg Heights man Khayam Ali, 29, has pleaded guilty to assaulting Cr Christou on December 4 after a teenage relative called him to be collected from the Merrylands Public School polling booth.

When Ali arrived to the Fowler Rd school about 5pm, police facts tendered to Fairfield Court on Wednesday said: “Upon arrival, the accused stated he saw his (relative) visibly distressed and was advised it was as a result of the victim telling he was going to be snatched away.

“The accused stated this made him angry so he approached the victim to discuss the matter.”

Ali approached Cr Christou while he was campaigning and asked if he was Steve.

“Yes, I’m Steve, how can I help you?”

The mayor thought he was about to engage in a political conversation but Ali then struck the mayor’s lower lip with an open palm and grabbed his shirt, causing it to rip twice while spraying expletives at the Our Local Community councillor.

Cr Christou then began pushing Ali back with both hands. Ali then tried to swipe at Cr Christou before he says: “I didn’t make anyone cry.’’

Khayam Ali (in white T-shirt) pleaded guilty to assaulting Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou.

A man tries to break up the fight.

Ali said: “Making a f***** 12-year-old cry. Is that what you stand for you f***** weak c*** huh?”.

Bystanders restrained Ali from attacking Cr Christou further, and tried to calm him down.

Ali then pointed towards Cr Christou and said: “A 12-year-old, yeah a 12-year-old. You f*****ng dog.’’

Court documents stated Ali remained at the scene for another two minutes while other bystanders restrained him from Cr Christou.

“Throughout this time the accused is abusing the victim by calling him a ‘dog’ and ‘scumdog’,’’ police facts state.

“The victim began saying repeatedly to the accused ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about’.’’

Police arrested Ali, who owns a pizza shop and works at Coles, at 10pm and he was taken to Granville police station and charged with common assault.

During the interview police said: “Whilst dealing with police, the accused was very co-operative and continually stated that he was only standing up for his (relative) who had a desire to get into politics but was continually being bullied by the victim.’’

At Fairfield Court on Wednesday, Ali was excused from appearing but his lawyer entered a guilty plea on his behalf via email.

Court documents state Ali has no criminal history and did not know Cr Christou.

The matter was adjourned for sentencing on January 31.

Cr Christou declined to comment when contacted after the court mention.

“It’s before the courts,’’ he said.

“I won’t be commenting on the matter. I’ve left the matter behind me. I’ve got nothing else to say.’’

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